Films at the Embassy of Japan

Co-organised by the Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) and NHK World Documentary

What You Taught Me About My Son

Tuesday 20 March 2018
Open 18:00 | Film starts at 18:30 | No admittance after 19:00
Free admission. Prior registration essential.

NHK World Documentary / 60mins
(Japanese language with English subtitles)

In 2007, an unknown Japanese youth with severe autism wrote a book of essays in Japanese entitled The Reason I Jump. Authored by Naoki Higashida, it reveals the inner heart of a person with autism and has become an international bestseller, translated into over 20 languages. This success owes much to the author David Mitchell, who has an autistic son, too. Having had experience of living in Japan, David was able to read the book in Japanese and felt that his own son was speaking to him through Naoki's words, providing insights into such behaviour as head-banging and uncontrolled utterances. He translated the essays into English to help other families around the world who are grappling with autism. In March 2014, David visited Naoki in Japan, where they had a moving encounter. This is the story of international hope engendered by interaction between a Japanese youth with autism and a famous British author.

Click here to book your free seat.